Scottish Labour has challenged John Swinney to to drop his “ideological” opposition to nuclear energy.
Anas Sarwar said at FMQs today that new reactors would bring in thousands of jobs, which will otherwise go to England and Wales.
But Swinney flatly rejected the idea and insisted his party was only committed to renewable energy sources.
It comes as the UK Government has pledged to create thousands of highly skilled jobs by reforming planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear reactors.
Sarwar said: “For almost 20 years the SNP have vetoed nuclear energy projects in Scotland – leaving jobs, growth and skills to go elsewhere. The next generation of small nuclear reactors could revolutionise our energy market.
“China is constructing 29 reactors, and the EU has 12 at planning stage. That’s a huge advantage in the global race to harness new technologies to deliver cleaner, affordable, independent energy.
“So why is John Swinney determined to let Scotland fall behind?”
Swinney said he wants to send a “clear policy signal” that his Government will “power on with renewables”.
He told MSPs: “I think investors will be really worried by the language of Mr Sarwar today because investors tell me that they know exactly where the Scottish Government stands today.
“We are right behind the renewable energy revolution, and we’re delivering that. Mr Sarwar, in his pursuit of the new direction, wants to muddy the waters. He wants to add uncertainty. He wants to scare off investment from the renewable energy industry.
“I won’t be doing that. I will be giving a clear green light to the green energy revolution in Scotland, and I will be proud of what Scotland can deliver.”
Sarwar said the First Minister could “unleash billions of pounds of investment and new jobs with the stroke of a pen”, but added: “Instead he is trapped in the politics of the 1970s.
“He wants thousands of jobs and billions in investment to go to England and Wales rather than come to Scotland, all while weakening Scotland’s energy security. What kind of nationalist is he?”
Swinney added: “Let me use this opportunity to make it absolutely crystal clear: the Scottish Government will continue with our support for the development of green renewables in Scotland, and we will not give the green light to nuclear power stations in Scotland.”
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, clickhere